Storm Lake schools are being recognized for helping students get a head start on life after graduation — and a new state grant will help the district spread that success beyond its own classrooms.
The Storm Lake Community School District is receiving $50,000 from the Iowa Department of Education as one of six school districts selected for the state’s new Excellence in Postsecondary Readiness Grant program.
The department announced the awards on Tuesday, distributing a total of $300,000 to school districts demonstrating strong results in preparing students for college, careers and other paths after high school. The grant program is designed to help schools build on what is already working, expand successful initiatives and share proven practices with other districts across Iowa.
State officials say the six recipients were selected based on postsecondary readiness measures that exceeded statewide averages. Those measures include the percentage of students earning college credit while in high school and the percentage participating in work-based learning. The statewide averages for those two measures are 70.3% and 45%, respectively. The department also considered whether districts serve a high proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
According to the department, 18 school districts were invited to apply for the inaugural grant program, with six ultimately receiving awards. Along with Storm Lake, the recipients include Creston, Fort Madison, Hampton-Dumont, Howard-Winneshiek and West Liberty.
The funding can support several areas of college and career preparation, including work-based learning, programs that allow students to earn college credit, industry-recognized credentials, individual career and academic planning, and career development in middle school. The department also encourages districts to expand opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds, English language learners and students with individualized education programs.
Storm Lake has already received state recognition for career-connected learning. In May, the Iowa Department of Education featured the district’s participation in Iowa’s Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program. The program allows high school students and adult paraeducators to gain classroom experience while working toward credentials for a teaching career.
As part of the Excellence in Postsecondary Readiness Grant program requirements, districts will work with the department of education to develop plans for sharing their approaches, lead a training session on their identified practices and serve as resources for other Iowa schools.
Recipients will also participate in the department’s Course to College and Career program, which helps schools foster a culture that encourages students to pursue education and training after graduation.
The grants are a one-time, nonrenewable investment funded through the Iowa College Aid Strategic Reserve Fund. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses through June 30, 2027.
The department says the goal is to help more Iowa students graduate with the college credit, practical experience and credentials they need to take their next steps after high school.
